J Am Diet Assoc
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As the first part of a multiphase process to develop a Nutrition Quality of Life (NQOL) survey, our objective was to identify items that later will be psychometrically evaluated for inclusion into the NQOL survey, a survey that can be used in routine practice to monitor the impact of medical nutrition therapy (MNT). ⋯ Based on comments generated in client and dietitian focus groups, we identified 50 items in six clusters: 9 items in food impact; 6, self-image; 10, psychological factors; 7, social/interpersonal; 9, physical; and 9, self-efficacy. Whenever possible, we developed items using the clients' own words. Clients, responding to the mailed survey, indicated that they took approximately 10 minutes to complete the NQOL survey. Applications/Conclusions At this time, dietitians may use the 50 questions to probe the impact of MNT on their clients' NQOL. However, psychometric and clinical testing will be necessary to further refine these items before the NQOL survey can be scored and used to measure the NQOL of patients at baseline, to monitor the impact of MNT over time, and to manage future MNT interventions by using an NQOL survey in a quality improvement program.